The iOS 2025 redesign, featuring Liquid Glass, has sparked debate. While some appreciate its translucent aesthetics, others find it distracting and even nauseating. The good news is, there are several ways to customize your experience and reduce the clutter. Here's a deep dive into the options available to you.
Reduce Transparency
Apple's iOS 26.4 update introduces a subtle yet effective solution: Reduce Transparency. This feature, accessible through Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, transforms the Liquid Glass effect into a more opaque appearance. It's a simple yet powerful adjustment that can significantly improve readability and reduce visual fatigue.
On Macs, head to System Settings > Accessibility > Display and enable the Reduce Transparency option. This change affects icons, folders, the menu bar, dock, and widgets, making them less transparent and more visually appealing.
For Apple Watch users, the process is similar. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, navigate to My Watch > Accessibility > Reduce Transparency, or directly access it on the watch itself via Settings > Accessibility.
Embrace Dark Mode
Dark mode is a game-changer for Liquid Glass. By enabling it, you can hide the new design elements and create a more cohesive and visually pleasing experience. On iPhones and iPads, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and select Dark as the appearance. On Macs, follow the same path to System Settings > Appearance > Dark.
Customize Liquid Glass
iOS 26.1 introduced a significant step towards customization with Liquid Glass. Access Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass and choose between Clear (more transparent) and Tinted (more opaque). Tinted is ideal for better contrast, and pairing it with Dark Mode further enhances readability.
Reduce Bright Effects
iOS 26.4 brings another layer of customization with the ability to reduce lighting effects. Head to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and enable Reduce Brightness. This subtle adjustment can make the theme more tolerable, especially for those who find the bright effects overwhelming.
Additionally, Apple's Reduce Motion option, found in Settings > Accessibility > Motion, now incorporates Liquid Glass effects, providing an even more comprehensive customization experience.
Customize Your Home Screen
iOS 18's Home screen customization options offer a wide range of possibilities. Press down on any open area of the Home screen, tap Edit, and select Customize. Here, you can adjust the color and lighting of icons and widgets to improve readability.
Tap the sun icon to switch between light and dark modes, the square icon to resize icons, and the Dark icon for a darker tone. You can also switch the Always option to Auto, allowing icons and widgets to adapt to your environment.
The Clear icon provides a clean, color-free look, while the Tinted icon offers multiple sliders to fine-tune the screen's appearance. Move the sliders to adjust tint color, lightness, and even choose specific colors from your wallpaper.
In conclusion, while Liquid Glass may not be to everyone's taste, Apple's iOS updates offer a range of customization options to suit individual preferences. By exploring these features, you can create a personalized and visually appealing iOS experience that suits your needs and enhances your productivity.
